The Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, on Wednesday described the state’s economy as stable and healthy in spite of economic recession ravaging the country.
He said the state did not suffer recession due to sound economic planning and management put in place by the government.
Punch reports that the governor stated this at the mid-year review meeting organised by the Anambra State Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners in collaboration with the United Nations.
He identified the provision of security as the attraction for aggressive investments in the state.
He said development agencies had played critical roles in the success story of the state.
Obiano, who was represented by his Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners, Mr. Mark Okoye, said the government would not stop providing its counterpart funding to the development agencies in the state.
He said the state was in partnership with no fewer than 24 of such agencies.
He said, “Anambra economy is boisterous. We didn’t suffer the recession that hit this country in 2016 because we put stimulus packages in place by creating jobs, funding small scale businesses, activating the agriculture sector and above all providing adequate security that energised and encouraged investors.”
Speaking, the United Nations Children’s Fund Country Field Officer, Enugu, Dr. Ibrahim Conteh, commended Obiano for his development initiatives.
He said, “The governor here (in Anambra State ) places his priorities right. He is one of the governors that pays his counterpart funding appropriately and at the right time.
“His development plans create better results, that is one unique thing about the state government and why we are here working with them. The state has made some achievements in every stride, but it can still look at other ways for more advancement; that’s to think outside the box.
The UNICEF officer, however, said there was still room for improvement.
He listed core improvement strategies to include capacity development, knowledge management, evidence generation, integration and cross-sectional linkages, among other things.
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